You must have the correct qualifications and have completed a required course to become a microchip implanter.

Only a veterinarian is allowed to microchip a cat or dog younger than 8 weeks, and only if:

• it will not risk the animal's health
• they give the person presenting the cat or dog a signed veterinary surgeon's certificate to that effect.

Apply to become a microchip implanter

You will need several qualifications to become an authorised microchip implanter.

Pre-requisite qualifications

Veterinarians must hold a Bachelor of Veterinary Science that can be registered in Queensland or hold an equivalent degree in another state and have completed 1 of the following courses:

• AVAQ Microchip Implantation course
• BNIT Microchip Implantation of Cats and Dogs
• AIRC Microchip Implantation of Cats and Dogs
• AVA Victoria Microchip Implantation course
• UQ Veterinary Technology Microchip Implantation course
• UQ BVSc Microchip Implantation course
• UQ Staff Microchip Implantation course (veterinarians only).

If you do not hold a Bachelor of Veterinary Science that can be registered in Queensland, you must hold 1 of the following qualifications:

• Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Nursing
• Animal Nursing Auxiliary Certificate (TAFE Vic)
• Bachelor of Veterinary Technology
• Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation
• Certificate III in Animal Studies (RUV30198)
• Certificate III in Animal Technology
• Certificate IV in Animal Welfare (Regulation)
• Certificate III in Captive Animals
• Certificate IV in Captive Animals
• Certificate III in Companion Animal Services
• Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services
• Certificate III in Kennel & Cattery Practices (CNQ 203)
• Certificate III in Local Government (Animal Management)
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
• Certificate in Veterinary Nursing (NZ –Veterinary Association)
• Enrolled Certificate in Veterinary Nursing
• Certificate IV Veterinary Nurses (University of Queensland staff only)
• Bachelor Applied Science (Veterinary Technology – University of Queensland staff)
• University of Del Tolima – Veterinary and Animal Science Medical Doctor
• ACMSS00007 – Microchip Implantation for Dogs and Cats Skill Set
• Certificate in Technology (Veterinary Nursing) (Level 5) NZ

And have completed 1 of the following courses:

• BNIT Microchip Implantation of Cats and Dogs
• AIRC Microchip Implantation of Cats and Dogs
• 21478VIC Course in Microchip Implantation of Cats and Dogs
• 21955VIC Course in Microchip Implantation of Cats and Dogs
• 90573NSW Microchip Implantation of Companion Animals
• 0630A Microchip Implantation
• UQ Staff Microchip Implantation course (veterinary nurses only)
• ACMMIC401A Implant Microchip in Cats and Dogs
• ACMMIC401 Implant Microchip in Cats and Dogs
• UQ Veterinary Technology Microchip Implantation course

Apply for an authorised implanter number

If you have the necessary qualifications and have completed the required course, you can apply for an authorised implanter number online.

Reviewing a decision

If you are unhappy with a decision about your implanter or registry licence, you can ask that it be reviewed.

Submit your request to our Customer Service Centre by email, fax or post.

Also consider...

• Find out more about microchipping your cat or dog (information for pet owners).
• Read the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.
• Find out more about microchipping dogs in Queensland.

The information from a cat or dog's microchip is kept by a registry service. Registry service providers must hold an approved licence.

On 1 July 2025 most of our fees and charges increased by 3.4%, in line with the government's indexation policy.

Obtaining a registry licence

To apply for a registry licence, you need to:

1. Complete the registry licence application (PDF, 94KB)
2. Send the form with the application fee of $1,180.94 to:

• Licensing and Transaction Unit
  Biosecurity Queensland
  GPO Box 46
  BRISBANE  QLD  4001

The application will be assessed and applicants will be advised of the outcome. More information about registry licences can be found in chapter 6 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

Renewing a registry licence

Registry licences are issued for a 12-month period. You must renew the licence at least 28 days before the current licence expires.

To renew a registry licence, you need to:

1. Complete the renewal of registry licence (PDF, 92KB)
2. Send the form with the annual fee of $1,180.94 to:

• Licensing and Transaction Unit
  Biosecurity Queensland
  GPO Box 46
  BRISBANE  QLD  4001

Current registry licence holders in Queensland

• Australasian Animal Registry
• Central Animal Records
• Global Micro Animal Registry
• Petsafe
• PetCloud

Also consider...

• Check the microchip registry service a cat or dog is registered with Pet Address.